Transforming our campus
Becoming climate positive
The University of Toronto’s St. George campus will become climate positive by 2050. We commit to reducing more greenhouse gases than we emit, creating a net benefit in our community.
Our climate-positive plan describes how we will design and build our utility infrastructure to significantly reduce our operating carbon footprint — a critical first step on our path to becoming a climate-positive campus.
Making campus more energy efficient
U of T has a long-standing and ongoing commitment to energy efficiency, as we know the best kind of energy is the energy we don’t use.
This started in 1912 when we became one of the first universities in North America to have its own district energy system. Since then we’ve been busy eliminating energy waste and making best use of the available energy.
Utility reduction revolving fund
In 2013, U of T launched a revolving fund to support and stimulate projects to remove financial impediments. The fund enables utility consumption reduction projects with savings potential over a short-term payback.
The model is simple: money is loaned interest-free to selected projects. The savings resulting from the project are then used to pay back the loan from the fund. After all funding is returned, the utility savings accrue to the department where the project took place. The revolving fund continues to grow and is a significant lever we use as the university progresses towards its sustainability goals.
District energy system
U of T has over a century of innovation with our expansive district energy system, capitalizing on the efficiencies of centralized energy distribution. Our next phase of innovation will leverage the benefits of our distribution network to reduce the use of natural gas through increased electrification, and transition from steam towards low-temperature hot water, leveraging geoexchange, thermal storage and energy recovery.
Canada’s largest urban geoexchange system
Deep beneath King’s College Circle is Canada’s largest urban geoexchange system. Comprised of 372 boreholes, drilled 250 metres deep, the geoexchange will support heating and cooling of 30+ campus buildings. The geoexchange system was completed in 2024 and is currently being integrated with Project Leap to transform how we heat and cool our campus. Visit the geoexchange educational display to learn more by entering the accessible entrance of the Landmark Parking Garage, located in the southeast corner of King’s College Circle.
ISO 50001
In our ongoing effort to increase energy efficiency and carbon reduction, the St. George campus achieved ISO 50001 ready-recognition for seven buildings. ISO 50001 is an international standard for energy management systems that provides a framework and guidance for organizations to establish, implement, maintain and improve energy management practices that enhance energy performance, efficiency and sustainability.
As part of this process, U of T created an energy policy that supports the commitment to our climate-positive goals and recognizes the importance of continuous improvement in energy efficiency under the ISO 50001 framework. The ISO 50001 standard embeds energy management practices in all aspects of our organization and better equips Facilities & Services to identify and implement energy-saving opportunities, enhance operational efficiencies and reduce operational risks and energy costs.
This project was supported by funding from Natural Resources Canada.
Renewable and solar energy
There are solar panels on many buildings across the St. George campus, including the Bahen Centre for Information Technology (BCIT), Myhal Centre for Engineering Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CEIE), Varsity Centre and the Exam Centre. We aim to add two solar arrays each year, consistently expanding our generation of renewable energy.
Incorporating sustainability into campus planning
High performance campus buildings
We are committed to delivering on the tri-campus high-performance building performance standards established by U of T in 2020. The performance standards ensure that energy performance and sustainability best practices are incorporated into all university buildings. While we continuously work to incorporate sustainability principles across all campus planning, the university also explores and incorporates innovative solutions in deep retrofits of existing historic buildings to become significantly more energy efficient.
LEED certification
The Exam Centre at 255 McCaul St. is the first building to achieve the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification at U of T. The office showcases many innovative sustainable features such as rainwater harvesting, dimmable high-output fluorescent lighting, operable windows, demand control ventilation, and a green wall connected to the lobby air distribution system. The building is also home to the Sustainability Office and the Facilities & Services department.
Other LEED-certified buildings include the Rotman School of Management, the Lassonde Mining Building and the Munk School of Global Affairs.
Making transportation more sustainable
Transportation is one of the leading contributors of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. To actively reduce transportation-related emissions, U of T strives to promote and improve the accessibility of lower-carbon modes of transportation, such as public transit and car sharing.
U of T also works to continuously improve biking and walking infrastructure that facilitates a low-carbon and healthier lifestyle.
Offsetting air travel emissions
U of T offsets emissions for business air travel by investing in university-based projects aimed at reducing the institution’s carbon footprint.
All university-funded air travel (except for travel funded by external research grants) is subject to a carbon offset fee based on the distance travelled. The fees support carbon reduction fund tri-campus projects to reduce university-related carbon emissions.
BikeChain
Bikechain is a not-for-profit cycling organization based out of the St. George campus. This active hub provides DIY workshops, affordable repairs and rental services, unique educational opportunities and a welcoming community of staff and volunteers. Bikechain promotes cycling as an environmentally sound form of alternative transportation and advocates for an active and healthy lifestyle.
Bike Share Toronto discount program
U of T partners with Bike Share Toronto to offer a discount on annual Bike Share Toronto memberships to students, staff and faculty across all three campuses.